Pitch

Objective:

The objective of Pitch is to be the first player or team to reach the target score by winning tricks and scoring points.

Setup:

1. Pitch is typically played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards.
2. The game is commonly played by four players in partnerships, with partners sitting opposite each other.
3. A bidding system is used to determine the trump suit for each round.

Gameplay:

1. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals six cards to each player, clockwise, one card at a time.
2. The next card is placed face-up on the table to determine the trump suit for the round.
3. Bidding then begins with the player to the dealer’s left.
4. In each round of bidding, players have the option to pass or make a bid.
5. A bid consists of a number representing the number of points the bidder’s team aims to earn in that round.
6. The minimum bid is typically six points.
7. Bidding continues clockwise until all players have passed except for the highest bidder.
8. The highest bidder becomes the declarer and sets the trump suit for the round.
9. The declarer can choose the face-up card as the trump or name a different suit.
10. The player to the left of the declarer leads the first trick by playing any card from their hand.
11. Each player, in clockwise order, must play a card of the same suit if they have one. If not, they can play any card.
12. The trick is won by the player who played the highest-ranking card of the leading suit or the highest-ranking trump card.
13. The winner of each trick leads the next one.
14. After all six tricks have been played, the points are tallied.
15. Each Ace is worth one point, and the trump suit’s Jack, called the “right bower,” is worth one point as well.
16. The “left bower,” which is the Jack of the same color as the trump suit, is worth one point.
17. The declarer’s team earns the total number of points they bid if they meet or exceed it, or lose that many points if they fail to reach the bid.
18. The non-declarer’s team earns one point for each point the declarer’s team fails to achieve.
19. The dealer rotates clockwise for the next round, and the game continues until one player or team reaches the target score.

Tips:

• Pay attention to the bidding and keep track of the bids made by other players.
• Use strategy when deciding to bid or pass based on the strength of your hand.
• Plan your plays carefully to win valuable tricks and earn points towards your bid.
• Consider the value of Aces and the right and left bowers when deciding on the trump suit.
• Communicate with your partner through signals or conventions to maximize your team’s chances of success.

Pitch is an engaging card game that requires strategic bidding and careful play. With this guide, you’re ready to start playing and enjoy the competitive nature of Pitch!